2024 VW Touareg R unveiled

Volkswagen has unveiled a range-topping performance model that will be the most expensive model in its Australian showrooms.

It may even be the most expensive VW ever sold in Australia.

The new Volkswagen Touareg R is a luxury SUV with a hi-tech cabin and sophisticated plug-in hybrid motor.

The cabin is finished in black leather with blue stitching, and an enormous 15-inch touchscreen takes pride of place on the dashboard.

Built on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus, Audi SQ8 and Porsche Cayenne, it uses the same tricks as those cars – including air suspension, active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel-steering – to help it carve up corners.

Other highlights include high-definition Matrix LED lights with 38,000 diodes projecting what the brand describes as a “light carpet exactly onto the driving lane”.

Powered by a turbocharged 250kW V6 engine linked to a 100kW electric motor, the Touareg R is capable of ripping to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

It’s a similar package to what you find in the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, which costs about $172,000 drive-away.

Though local prices have not been locked in, the Touareg will be cheaper than that in Australia.

But we don’t expect it to undercut the most expensive Australian VW to date, which was a V10-powered version of the original Touareg known as the R50.

That turbo diesel monster started from $129,990 plus on-road costs.

The big motor burned 12.6L/100km of fuel to produce 258kW and 850Nm, enough to reach 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Its spiritual successor is significantly faster while using a fraction of the fuel.

The new Touareg R arrives locally in the first quarter of 2024. VW Australia hoped to bring it in sooner, but it was held back by supply constraints.

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